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Configuring the computer
Your computer maintains records representing the hardware in
the system. This representation includes the translation geometry
that is used by the BIOS to map the drive surface and that is
stored in CMOS memory. During the boot cycle, a test is run
comparing the record to the hardware. When you install a new
drive, you must update this record to include a representation of
the new drive. This is done in your computer’s System Setup.
This section tells you how to configure your computer. It also
discusses drive capacity limitations imposed by some computers
and available solutions. If you are installing a ST3295A, go to the
“Standard installation” section on page 8.
528-Mbyte system-capacity limit
Computers using DOS and some BIOS impose a 528-Mbyte
capacity limit on ATA hard discs. This occurs because the BIOS
is designed to use up to 1,024 cylinders in the translation geome-
try for mapping the data surface of the drive. The ST3660A has
1,057 cylinders. If your computer’s BIOS limits the drive capacity
to 528 Mbytes, you have several options for installing the drive.
• Install the drive using the standard installation procedure on
page 8. This assures you the maximum capacity allowed by
your computer.
• Use a host adapter that supports more than 528 Mbytes.
• Upgrade the BIOS to one that uses logical block addressing
(LBA) or an extended cylinder-head-sector (ECHS) address-
ing scheme that allows for more than 528 Mbytes.
• Use the hard disc installation software, EZ-Drive, included on
your ST3660A drive. Instructions for extracting the software
are on page 11. Instructions for using EZ-Drive start on page
12
.
(Only ST3660A drives with part number 958002-4
xx
are
shipped with EZ-Drive.)
Medalist XE Family Installation Guide, Rev. A 7